Argentina avoided embarrassment, Messi and Fernández gave them victory over Mexico – ČT sport – Czech Television

The defending champions of the South American league scored their first points after a shocking 1-2 opening defeat to Saudi Arabia in Group C and remained in contention for a place in the round of 16. The Mexicans have only one point for the 0:0 draw with Poland, they have not won or scored for the fourth time in a row at the World Cup.

The Argentines will close the first part of the tournament against Poland on Wednesday. They beat Saudi Arabia 2-0 today and lead the table by four points. Mexico will face Saudi Arabia “from three points” in a parallel match.

“We mainly complicated it ourselves. In the first half we held the ball more, but we lacked better movement and we didn’t solve some situations well. We managed to improve it, but it was certainly not an ideal performance from us. But we won, which is very important for us” Messi said in a TV Interview.

Argentinian coach Scaloni has made five changes to his starting line-up since the match against the Saudis. Right from the start, for example, defender Montiel or midfielders Guido Rodríguez and Mac Allister had a chance.

The two-time world champions didn’t create any big chances in the first half thanks to solid Mexican defence. Just before the break, Argentinian Lautaro Martínez’s header was inaccurate. At the other end, goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez intercepted Vega’s free kick with a spectacular jump. “We knew it would be a difficult match because Mexico play defensively. The first half wasn’t good for us,” said Scaloni.

The image of the game did not change much even at the beginning of the second act. Messi first sent the ball high over the bar from a free kick. In the 64th minute, however, the 35-year-old striker exceptionally got more space from the Mexicans and beat goalkeeper Ochoa with a shot placed on the ground from outside the penalty area.

Messi scored his second goal of the Qatar tournament and eighth overall at the World Cup, equaling his legendary predecessor Diego Maradona. The Paris St. Germain striker improved his international record to 93 goals in 167 games.

“We held our heads up for 60 minutes against a very strong opponent. But then we made a small mistake in midfield and Messi got the ball,” said Mexico coach Gerardo Martino. “As long as we have a chance, we will fight for it. We will try to beat Saudi Arabia in the last match,” added the Argentinian coach.

His protégés didn’t bother to answer. Three minutes before the end, the youngest player of the Argentine team, Fernández added the insurance. The 21-year-old midfielder scored an exhibition shot after Messi’s pass. Fernández scored his first goal in his fifth international start.

Argentina are undefeated against Mexico in their 11th consecutive match and won their fourth World Cup match.